Manufacturers these days seem to be in an SUV arms race. With high-powered entries available from BMW, Mercedes, Bentley, Range Rover and Porsche (among others), the market is expanding at a high rate. Audi has a tendency to take its more normal cars and give them a bit more grunt, and their latest offering is, unsurprisingly, a very powerful SUV. They needed a way to differentiate this new car from its competitors, and the engine powering this beast will do just that. This is the new Audi SQ7.

Powering the SQ7 is a 4 liter, diesel V8, with forced induction applied by a trio of turbochargers. This engine is capable of 435 horsepower, which isn't a number to overlook, but the amount of torque produced is even more impressive. Drivers will have 664 lb ft of torque under their right foot, allowing for some brisk acceleration. This power is sent to all four wheels through Audi's 8-speed, Tiptronic transmission, allowing for a 0-60 sprint in under 5 seconds. No top speed has been specified yet, but expect a number that would feel right at home on the Autobahn.

The mighty new engine isn't the only thing separating this car from the standard Q7. Audi has implemented a new suspension system in order to make the "S" model a bit more engaging to drive. Basically, the anti-roll bars have two settings that change depending on the type of driving. When you're just cruising around, they're at ease, allowing for a more relaxing ride. However, when you've decided to take a corner at speed, they kick in, reducing body roll and ensuring flatter cornering. This system is taken from the SQ7's cousin, the new Bentley Bentayga, and will undoubtedly improve the experience.

The SQ7 provides a bit of fresh air to the increasingly-crowded fast SUV segment. While pretty much every one of its rivals utilizes a petrol V8, kicking out more horsepower than torque, this Audi twists things up a bit (pun intended, sorry). For all the news on fast Audis, as well as pretty much everything else speedy, stay tuned to Oh So Lofty.